(A/N). Hi guys! As always, allow me to beginning by thanking you all for the reviews and follows.
Okay then, let's continue.
Christopher slowly opened his eyes...and was greeted by the sight of metal bars before him. ''Oh, no. Not again,'' he murmured (upon realising that he was back in the dungeon)... Dragging himself to his feet, Chris turned around to face the cell next to his own.. ''YOW!'' He jumped backwards upon seeing the unconscious lion inside of it.. ''What the hell!?'' Taking a deep breath, Christopher quickly composed himself and remained perfectly still, terrified of waking it... Tiptoeing towards his cell door, Chris tried to open it. As he suspected, it was locked.. ''Damn.'' Scanning the whole dungeon with his eyes, Christopher looked for any sign of life, but there was none. There was only him and the lion...
Just then, the lion let out a loud roar.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Christopher screamed in terror, before bolting towards the rear of his cell.
Clambering to his feet, Diaval gazed at his surroundings, immediately noticing the young man in the neighbouring cell.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Chris continued to scream, as the lion fixed its gaze on him.
Upon realising that he was terrifying the young man, Diaval quickly transformed himself back into human form.
''What!?'' Christopher exclaimed, unable to believe his eyes...
Looking around the dimly lit room once again, Diaval barked. ''Where am I!?''
''W-w-we're in the castle dungeon,'' Chris revealed in a quivering tone of voice.
''Dungeon?'' Diaval echoed with a look of confusion on his face, as he struggled to recollect what had occurred in the throne room...
''Yes.'' Christopher confirmed with a nod.. ''Look, I hate to ask this, but...what's going on here?. A moment ago you were a lion.''
''Oh, that.'' Diaval sighed. ''It's...an ability that I have.''
''The ability of being able to transform into a lion?''
''Not just a lion,'' Diaval explained. ''Any creature that I want.''
''Hold on a moment... I know who you are,'' Chris spoke with a look of realisation on his face. ''You're Maleficent's underling, aren't you? Her lackey.''
''Her friend!'' Diaval corrected him in a stern tone (he didn't appreciate been referred to as Maleficent's lackey).
''Really?'' Chris responded. ''I didn't think Maleficent was close to anyone other than the Queen.''
''Well you're wrong!''
Christopher didn't reply. He just turned away from Diaval (knowing that he'd caused offence)...
After a moment of silence had passed, Diaval suddenly thought of something. ''Wait a minute.''
Chris turned back around to face him. ''What?''
''There was a man,'' Diaval said (as he started to remember what had happened earlier). ''He...he made an assault on the throne room.''
''That's right.'' Chris nodded. ''You tried to kill him, remember? But he zapped you with some kind of electricity, or something.''
''You was there?''
''Yes I was.'' Christopher let out a lengthy sigh.
''What happened to Maleficent?'' Diaval asked with fear showing in his eyes and body language, as he remembered her slumped on the ground, a sitting duck for anyone who wanted to harm her. ''Tell me everything that happened!'' he snapped.
''Well, er-'' Chris hesitated.
''Tell me!'' Diaval demanded.
''Alright then.'' Christopher gave a shrug of his shoulders. ''But you're not going to like any of it.''
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, at Vandran's camp, Vernon had been escorted to a large tent. He wasn't aware of that, though, as his head had been covered by a sack the moment they'd arrived in the forest. He couldn't remove it himself because his hands were tied behind his back.. To make matters worse he was on his knees (a position that made Vernon feel very vulnerable)... Hearing footsteps approaching him, Vernon shouted in a loud, aggressive tone of voice (trying to appear unafraid). ''Who's there!?'' Suddenly, the sack was lifted from his head. Vernon looked up to see a tall, beautiful red haired woman standing over him... ''Well, hello there.'' Vernon flashed a flirtatious smile at her.
Syrena gave a roll of her eyes before walking towards the other side of the tent.. ''Now, I'm going to ask you a few questions...and you're going to answer them for me. Okay?''
''Shoot,'' Vernon spoke in a very unenthusiastic tone.
''Right.'' Syrena gave a nod. ''First question. Where do you come from?''
''I hardly think that's relevant.''
''It is to me,'' Syrena replied... On seeing that Vernon wasn't budging on his stance on the matter, the red haired woman tried another approach. ''Alright then, I'll ask another question... What's your name?''
''How about you make yourself useful and untie me, dear?'' Vernon totally ignored her question.
''How about you tell me your name first?'' Syrena responded.
''That's none of your damn business!'' Vernon shouted.
Just then, Vandran entered the tent...
Falling silent, Vernon put his head down.. He'd seen what this man was capable of, so he didn't want to aggravate him in any way.
Vandran glared at Vernon before marching over towards Syrena... ''Well? Is our guest being cooperative?''
''In a word...no,'' Syrena replied.
''Really?'' Vandran said with a look of surprise on his face as he walked towards Vernon. ''It's odd. Because to look at you, you seem like such an obliging sort of fellow.'' Vandran flashed a sarcastic grin (as Vernon looked anything but obliging).
Still afraid of Vandran, Vernon failed to meet his gaze.
''Look at me!'' Vandran growled.
Quaking with fear, Vernon promptly looked up at him...
''What is your name?..''
''V-V-Vernon Drake,'' Vernon responded after a brief moments hesitation.
''Two names?'' Vandran turned around and walked towards the back of the tent. ''That's interesting.''
''In the place I come from it's customary to have two names,'' Vernon tried to explain.
''I know that,'' Vandran whispered to himself... Pretending that he knew nothing of this other dimension, though, the white haired man proceeded to ask. ''And where is that, exactly?''
''A world that is very different to this one,'' Vernon replied cryptically.
''I see.'' Vandran gave a nod of his head... ''And is that young, fair haired man from that world as well?'' Vandran asked (meaning Christopher).
''Yes.'' Vernon confirmed Vandran's suspicion... ''His name is Christopher Reynolds.''
''Is that so?'' Vandran walked back over towards Syrena and whispered in her ear. ''Leave us.''
''Yes, my Lord,'' Syrena responded before walking out of the tent...
As he watched Syrena leave, Vernon started to look more fearful, as he wondered why Vandran had just dismissed the red haired woman. Was it because he was about to do something unpleasant? Say, for example...murder him?.. Monitoring Vandran with his eyes, Vernon watched as the white haired man walked over towards a large case and opened it.
Pulling a bottle of wine and two glasses out of the case, Vandran said. ''Would you care to join me?''
''Considering my current position, that would be a tad difficult, don't you think?'' Vernon replied.
''I see your point,'' Vandran walked over towards Vernon and removed his bonds. ''There you go.'' He took a step back. ''So...how about that drink?''
''Alright.'' Vernon slowly got to his feet, a quizzical look on his face...
''Good.'' Vandran poured out wine into the two glasses... ''Here.'' He offered Vernon one of them.
''Thank you.'' Vernon accepted the glass.
''Ah.'' Vandran took a sip out of his glass, while Vernon just looked intently at his own... ''Is there something wrong?''
Vernon didn't reply. He just continued to stare at the drink in his hand (suspecting that it was poisoned).
Vandran reached out his hand and took the glass off Vernon before taking a sip (to prove that it wasn't poisoned). ''Satisfied?'' Vandran offered the glass back to Vernon.
''Ha-ha-ha-ha,'' Vernon chuckled as he accepted it... Within three seconds the glass was empty.
''Impressive.'' Vandran smiled.
''Well...this place has revived the alcoholic in me.'' Vernon placed the empty glass down on a nearby table.
''Indeed.'' Vandran gave a nod of approval... ''Would you like something to eat?'' he then asked.
''Why?''
''Why what?''
''Why are you acting so civil towards me?'' Vernon inquired with a suspicious look on his face.
''Because...you saved my life when you killed that soldier,'' Vandran explained. ''You have earned my respect.''
''I didn't kill that man to save your sorry life.'' Vernon let out a huff before turning away from Vandran... ''I killed him to satisfy my need for revenge.''
''Nevertheless, you did save my life.'' Vandran took a step forward. ''It doesn't make a difference to me if this was achieved unintentionally. The bottom line is...you saved my life.''
''Yes... Yes, I suppose I did.'' Vernon grinned (reveling in the man's obvious gratitude)..''So...why did you bring me here?''
''I brought you here to give you a gift.''
''A gift?.. What sort of gift?'' Vernon asked with a wary look in his eye.
''A place in my ranks,'' Vandran replied. ''A place in my army.''
''You have an army?'' A look of disbelief spread across Vernon's face.
''Yes.'' Vandran confirmed. ''Just out there.'' He pointed outside the tent... ''You can take a look if you want.''
''Very well.'' With a curious expression on his face, Vernon walked forward and peeped outside the tent... ''Wow.'' He was astonished by the sight before him.. ''There must be at least a thousand men out there!'' Vernon exclaimed, as he spun back around to face Vandran.
''Something like that, yes,'' Vandran replied.
''And you want me to join them?''
''Not so much join them... I want you to lead them.''
''Lead them?'' Vernon echoed his words.
''Yes!'' Vandran declared. ''You're exactly the kind of man that I've been searching for, Drake.. I need someone like you. Someone with a dark heart... And trust me, I've looked into your heart...and it is a very dark place.''
''If you're serious about all this...why did you tie me up?'' Vernon asked. ''Or do you always treat your subordinates like that?''
''I had to make sure you were the man I was after,'' Vandran explained. ''I tied you up because I wasn't sure if you'd accept my offer or not... Come to think of it, I'm still not sure.''
''Yes, well-'' Vernon cleared his throat. ''I-I mean, if I refuse...what will become of me?''
''Well, if you refuse...I'll kill you,'' Vandran replied with honesty.. ''But you won't refuse, Drake. I know that.''
''How do you know that?''
''Because you've been waiting for this chance for a long time now, haven't you?'' Vandran narrowed his golden eyes... ''A chance to wield a modicum of power.''
''And you know all this...by looking into my heart?''
''Yes,'' was Vandran's curt reply...
Uncertainty spread across his entire face, Vernon faltered, unsure of whether or not he could do this... Finally, he agreed. ''Alright then... I accept your proposal.''
''Splendid!'' Vandran exclaimed with great enthusiasm in his voice.
''Hold on a minute!'' Vernon lifted his right hand up.. ''I have two questions.''
''Really?'' Vandran smiled.
''One, why do you need an army? And Two, why did you kidnap the Queen?'' Vernon inquired.
''Rule number one.'' Vandran raised his index finger upward. ''Information is on a need to know basis.''
''I need to know!''
''Yes, you do,'' Vandran agreed... ''But not yet.''
Vernon sighed before giving a shake of his head...
''Tell me. Do you happen to know what rank the soldier you killed held?'' Vandran inquired.
''Yes,'' Vernon murmured in response.. ''He was a Captain... The Captain of the Guard.''
''I see.'' Vandran gave a nod... ''Then that shall be your rank.''
''What?''
''You are now Captain Drake!'' Vandran exclaimed.. ''Or Captain Vernon. Whichever you prefer.''
''I think Captain Drake has a better ring to it, don't you?'' Vernon said with a deliciously evil smile on his face.
''I concur,'' Vandran replied, as he emulated Vernon's smile.
''Right then.'' Vernon clapped his hands together. ''I need to know something.''
''What's that?''
''Will you be my only superior?'' Vernon inquired.
''Well...for the moment, yes,'' Vandran replied (hinting at his Master's impending return).
''What about the girl?'' Vernon spoke in reference to Syrena.
''You and her will be on an equal footing.''
''Good.'' Vernon gave a nod (pleased that he wouldn't have to answer to a woman).
''Now, you get some rest.'' Vandran headed towards the front of the tent. ''Tomorrow I'll bring you some new clothes.''
''Why?''
''Because the clothes you're wearing at the moment make you stand out like a sore thumb.'' Vandran stepped out of the tent.
''I have one more question!'' Vernon shouted after him.
''What?'' Vandran poked his head back into the tent, a tired expression on his face.
''What is to become of Christopher?'' Vernon asked...
''I want you to kill him for me,'' Vandran replied.. ''That doesn't present a problem, does it?'' he asked (fearing that Vernon may have grown somewhat attached to the young man).
''On the contrary!. It shall be a pleasure, my Lord,'' Vernon assured him.
''Good.'' With nothing more to be said, Vandran marched away from the tent...
''HA-HA!'' Vernon laughed heartily to himself.. Not only was he going to be in a position of power, but he also had the chance to get his revenge on Christopher, whom he still blamed for everything that had happened. Because in his mind, this whole mess could be traced back to the night of the thunderstorm... Heading back over to the table, Vernon lifted the bottle of wine from it. ''To a new life,'' he murmured, before drinking straight from the bottle... 'Who needs a glass,' he thought to himself with a grin.
.
.
.
.
By now, Christopher had divulged all the sordid details of what had occurred in the throne room to Diaval... And he wasn't happy about it to say the least.
''GUARD!'' Diaval shouted as he shook on the bars at the front of his cell. ''GUARD!'' he repeated.
''It won't do any good.'' Chris let out a sigh. ''Trust me, I've tried it myself.''
''Look, are you absolutely sure that Phillip's dead?'' Diaval asked in disbelief.
''I'm sure.'' Christopher gave a grim nod of confirmation.
''But how can you-''
''I'm sure!'' Chris cut him off in frustration... ''I've seen people die before.''
Diaval fell silent for a moment, as he became aware of the fact that he'd stirred up some unpleasant memories inside the young man...
''Hang on a minute.'' Chris was suddenly struck by a thought. ''You said that you could transform yourself into any kind of creature, right?''
''Yes.''
''Well then, why don't you just transform yourself into a really small creature? That way you could slip through the bars.''
''Good point,'' Diaval responded (feeling rather dense because he hadn't thought of that himself).. ''Well, here goes.'' Closing his eyes, Diaval instantly transformed through a cloud of black smoke into a small moth.
''WHOA!'' Chris jumped back at the sight of it...
Having flown through the bars, Diaval transformed himself back into human form.
''Why did you transform yourself into a moth!?'' Christopher exclaimed with an alarmed expression on his face
''It was the first small flying creature that came to mind,'' Diaval replied. ''Why? Don't you like moths?''
''Well, er...I've always been a little scared of them, to be honest,'' Christopher admitted.
''Of moths?'' Diaval let out a slight chuckle (unable to understand the young man's phobia).
''Yes.'' Christopher looked to the floor of his cell (feeling slightly embarrassed). ''Maybe it's because they're so...flappy. I don't know... I think I might have been traumatized by one when I was a small child or something.''
''Is that so?'' Diaval said in a disinterested tone as he turned to leave.
''Hey!. You can't just leave me in here!'' Chris protested.
''I think it's for the best,'' Diaval replied.. ''Besides, I don't have a key to unlock the door to your cell.''
''Where are you going?''
''To find Maleficent!'' Diaval responded, as he flung open the door that led out of the dungeon.
''Wait!'' Chris shouted after him.
''What!?'' Diaval turned back around to face him...
''I, um...forgot to tell you something about that man who attacked the throne room.''
''What's that?''
''Well, he...he looked at me as though I fit some kind of description,'' Christopher explained. ''He even called me..."The One." Or something like that.'' Chris let out a sigh... ''Do you have any idea what he was talking about?''
''No. I don't have a clue,'' Diaval lied, as he knew exactly what that meant (but he didn't see the point in revealing any details about the prophecy to Christopher at the present time). ''Hang tight. I'll be back.'' Diaval promptly exited the room, leaving Christopher all alone in the dungeon...
''Why me?'' Chris asked, as he gazed to the ceiling above him...
.
.
.
Having made his way out of the dungeon, Diaval was now walking through the hallways of the castle, desperately trying to find a familiar face... But he couldn't find a single one.. All he could see were guards rushing backwards and forwards carrying wounded people on stretchers. He'd hoped that Christopher had been slightly exaggerating about the events that had taken place in the throne room. But if anything...he'd understated the devastation that had occurred.. Diaval couldn't quite believe just how many people were injured or dead. He was also baffled by Vandran's abilities. He wasn't a fairy, that's for sure. But he wasn't a normal man either. Perhaps he was a wizard? Just like that old man who had accompanied Christopher to the castle (Oloven)... Suddenly, a female voice called out his name.
''Diaval!''
Immediately spinning around, Diaval was overjoyed to see someone he recognised. ''Flittle!'' he exclaimed.
''Oh, Diaval.'' Flittle sighed with relief. ''Thank goodness you're okay.. How did you get out of the dungeon?''
''Oh, I have my ways,'' Diaval replied cryptically. ''Why are you so big?'' he then asked (upon realising that she was human sized).
''Well, we couldn't move Maleficent in our normal forms, so we made ourselves bigger.''
''H-how is Maleficent?'' Diaval inquired in a trembling tone of voice.
''Oh, she's fine,'' Flittle replied. ''She's only sleeping.''
''Only sleeping?'' Diaval echoed. ''Flittle, Maleficent doesn't just fall asleep when she's walking. Something must have happened to her.''
''Yes. Knotgrass thinks she might have been drugged,'' Flittle said. ''She's watching over her at the moment.''
''I-I just can't believe that any of this is really happening.'' Diaval wiped his brow.
''Yes, and...there's more,'' Flittle stated hesitantly.
''More?''
''I'm sorry that I have to be the one to tell you this, Diaval...but-''
''If you're going to tell me that Aurora has been kidnapped and that Phillip is dead, don't bother, because I already know.''
''How?'' Flittle asked with a look of astonishment on her face. ''You were unconscious.''
''A young man in the dungeon told me all about it,'' Diaval revealed.
''How did he know?''
''He was there, apparently. He witnessed the whole thing,'' Diaval explained before letting out a sigh... ''Tell me, er...what have you done with Phillip's body?''
''He's...through there.'' Flittle pointed to the door behind her.
Diaval took a deep breath before walking forward and entering the room (Flittle following close behind him)... Upon entering, he noticed a large bed in the corner of the room...with Phillip laid out on it (every part of his body except for his head was covered by blankets).. Next to the bed...was Thistlewit. She was seated on a small wooden stool.. Diaval let out a sigh, which alerted Thistlewit to his presence.
Standing up, Thistlewit turned around, tears flowing down her cheeks.. ''Oh, Diaval!'' she exclaimed, as she rushed forward and threw her arms around him, desperate for a source of comfort. Diaval reciprocated this action, as he put his arms around her... After a few moments had passed, she stepped back... ''Diaval...he's taken Aurora.'' Thistlewit wiped her tears away.
''I know.'' Diaval gave a nod. ''But don't worry... We'll get her back,'' he assured her with a small smile on his face.. ''I'll be back in just a moment.'' Diaval slowly walked over towards the deceased Prince... Stepping next to the bed, Diaval looked down at the young man.. To look at him, you wouldn't even know he was dead. He looked so...peaceful.. Diaval pulled the blankets down and recoiled at the sight of the young Prince's mortal wound... He sighed as he pulled the blankets back up (unable to look at the cause of his death any longer)...
Diaval initially didn't like or trust Phillip.. It wasn't anything personal, he just believed that all men were cruel and driven only by ambition, much like King Stefan.. However, over the past year and a half, he'd grown very fond of Phillip. He was such a friendly and warmhearted young man that it was hard to dislike him.. He'd helped Diaval (and Maleficent) to realise that not all men were as ruthless as Stefan (although Maleficent would never admit it).. He thanked the young Prince for saving his life in the throne room (Christopher had told him about Phillip ordering the guards not to harm him), and he also thanked him for helping him to confront his feelings that he held for Maleficent. Despite the fact that it wasn't his cross to bear, Phillip had been a rock for Diaval during his recent ordeal regarding his Mistress... He would be forever grateful for that... ''I'll see you on the other side, my friend.'' Diaval gently patted Phillip on the shoulder, before turning around and walking back to the two pixies... ''Where is Maleficent?''
''She's in Aurora's room,'' Flittle revealed. ''Me and Knotgrass dragged her up there.''
''That must have been a struggle,'' Thistlewit butted in. ''That staircase seems to go on and on forever,''
''It does,'' Flittle agreed.. ''I nearly broke my back carrying Maleficent up those stairs.. And she's so awkward to carry, because of her wings. They kept getting in my way.'' Flittle turned to face Diaval.
''Yes, I'm sure they did,'' Diaval said in an uninterested tone...
''I wonder if-''
''I'm sorry, but I really must go check on Maleficent now.'' Diaval hurried towards the door.
''Alright,'' Thistlewit replied.
''I'll see you both later,'' Diaval said before exiting the room.
.
.
.
After scaling the winding staircase that led to Aurora's chambers at the very top of the high tower, Diaval had to admit that Flittle and Thistlewit did have a point. It does seem to go on forever...
''Phew.'' After taking a moment to catch his breath, Diaval stepped forward and opened up the door that led inside Aurora's room. The door almost bumped into Knotgrass, who had been standing right by it.
''Diaval!?'' Knotgrass exclaimed in delight, happy to see him looking so well.
''Hello, Knotgrass.'' Diaval smiled at the pixie before approaching the bed that his Mistress was sleeping in. ''How's Maleficent?''
''Oh, she'll be alright,'' Knotgrass replied. ''She's merely sleeping.''
''Flittle told me that you've come to the conclusion that she's been drugged.''
''Yes, that's right,'' Knotgrass responded. ''It's the only logical explanation.''
''How long will the effects of the drug last?'
''Well...that depends.''
''On what?''
''Well, it depends on the individual, really,'' Knotgrass explained. ''There are some that are practically immune to sleeping potions. Those are few in number, though, I might add.. Then there are others who sleep for days and days.''
''This isn't the first time that she's been drugged, Knotgrass,'' Diaval revealed.
''Really?'' Knotgrass responded (unaware of the details surrounding the night that Maleficent had lost her wings to Stefan). ''How long did she sleep for that time?''
''I'm not sure.'' Diaval knelt down beside the bed. ''That was before I met her.''
''I see.'' Knotgrass gave a nod of her head before heading towards the door. ''I'm just going to go and fetch Flittle, because I don't like to leave her alone when she's in this condition.''
''That's a kind thought, but it won't be necessary.. I'm here now.'' Diaval stroked Maleficent's hand tenderly.
''Are you sure you'll be alright on your own?'' Knotgrass asked as she opened the door.
''Perfectly sure,'' Diaval replied, as he turned his head around and smiled at the pixie.
''Okay,'' Knotgrass said before exiting the room. ''Let me know when she wakes up!'' she shouted through the closed door.
''I will!'' Diaval shouted back in response, before getting up and walking to the other side of the room... He poured himself a glass of water and drank it straight off.. Turning back around, Diaval couldn't help but snigger at the sight of Maleficent asleep in the bed.. It wasn't big enough for her wings. They were poking out of both sides of it... He walked back over and knelt down beside her, picking her limp hand up and putting it to his lips.
''Please wake up, Mistress,'' Diaval pleaded as he kissed her hand.. He didn't know why he was still calling her Mistress, as technically he was no longer her servant.. But for some strange reason he just felt more comfortable calling her that.. Perhaps it was because he'd grown accustomed to it. But it was different now.. The term 'Mistress,' had evolved from been a term of authority to a pet name.
Diaval put his head down on the bed next to her hand, contended to remain here until she woke up. He was prepared to wait all night if need be...
.
.
.
Many hours later, night time had arrived. By now, Diaval, just like his Mistress, was asleep, his head still resting next to her hand... He awoke, though, when he felt Maleficent start to stir, as her hand brushed against his face.
''Mistress!'' Diaval jumped awake... ''Mistress,'' he repeated in a softer voice.
After a few seconds had passed...Maleficent opened her eyes.
''Oh, Mistress.'' Diaval let out a deep breath... ''It's good to see your beautiful eyes.'' He lifted her hand up and kissed it.
''Diaval,'' she said weakly.. ''Where...where are we?'' She gazed around the room.
''We're in the castle.''
''Oh...of course we are,'' Maleficent replied upon recognising the room...
''How do you feel?''
''I'm fine,'' Maleficent responded before sitting upright... ''What...what happened to me?''
''Well, you...you fell asleep.''
''But...I don't remember anything.'' Maleficent shook her head in confusion. ''The last thing I remember was entering the throne room with Aurora.''
''Yes.'' Diaval gave a nod. ''That's when you passed out.''
''You mean to tell me that I swooned?'' Maleficent looked terribly shocked (unable to believe that she fainted).
''Not exactly.'' Diaval let out a sigh... ''You were drugged.''
Maleficent fell silent, as she processed Diaval's words... Suddenly, it all started to make horrible sense... ''The wine.''
''What?''
''The wine,'' she repeated.
''What wine are you referring to?'' Diaval inquired.
''The wine that the servant girl brought up here earlier,'' Maleficent explained.
''Do you believe it was responsible?''
''Yes, it had to be,'' Maleficent replied. ''I started to feel peculiar the moment I finished it. That girl must have put something into my glass... But why?''
''Perhaps she was working for him,'' Diaval spoke in a quiet voice.
''Him?'' Maleficent echoed Diaval. ''Whom do you speak of?''
Diaval sighed... ''I'm referring to the man who disrupted the wedding.''
''What man?'' Maleficent asked, slight panic starting to show on her usually stoic face.
Diaval didn't respond. He just sighed and wiped his brow (dreading having to tell Maleficent the horrific news).
''Diaval, what's the matter?''
Once again, Diaval didn't respond.
Maleficent suddenly started to feel very frightened. The absence of Aurora from her bedside started to worry her... ''W-where is Aurora?''
''Oh, Maleficent,'' Diaval said in an anguished tone.
''Where is she!?'' Maleficent demanded to know.
''She's been taken!'' Diaval revealed with reluctance. ''Kidnapped!''
''WHAT!?'' Maleficent exclaimed as she dived out of the bed. ''How did this happen!?''
''Look...it's a long story. Please sit down and I'll tell you everything.''
''No!'' Maleficent shouted.. ''How did he get past the guards!?''
''Well, he-''
''How could you let him take her!?'' Maleficent cut him off.
''Look, just sit down and I'll tell you!''
Maleficent took a deep breath and composed herself, before sitting down on the end of the bed... ''Go on.''
''Okay.'' Diaval sat down next to her... ''Here's what happened.''
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, Vandran was stalking the forest in search of Syrena.. She'd been gone for hours now, so he'd decided to go and search for her.. He didn't like to admit it (not even to himself), but he did care for her in his own sort of way. And the fact that she was missing bothered him a great deal.. He was just about to give up and head back to camp...when he spotted a figure walking towards him.
''My Lord!'' Syrena called to him.
''Syrena!'' he shouted in response, a hint of anger in his voice. ''Where have you been all this time?''
''Oh, I'm so sorry,'' Syrena apologised. ''I just needed to clear my head.''
''Is there something wrong?'' Vandran asked her.
''No, of course not,'' Syrena replied before starting to walk away.
''Don't lie to me!'' Reaching out, Vandran grabbed hold of her arm... ''Tell me the truth.''
''Let go of me!'' she demanded, as she pulled her arm free.
''Sorry,'' Vandran growled before releasing her arm... ''It's just that...you've been acting out of sorts for days now.'' The white haired man let out a deep breath. ''Is it something I've done?''
''No.'' Syrena shook her head before then admitting... ''Well, in a way...yes I suppose it is.''
''I don't understand.''
''Well, it's just that...for years now you've been preparing to put this plan into operation.'' Syrena lowered her head slightly. ''And I...suppose I never realised just how difficult it would all be.''
''What are you talking about? The plan was a momentous success!''
''I don't mean about the execution of the plan, my Lord,'' Syrena explained. ''That was flawless.''
''Well then what do you mean!?'' Vandran asked in an impatient manner.
''I mean...that it's difficult for me personally.'' Syrena sighed.. ''Putting that poor, innocent young girl (Aurora) through all this upsets me a great deal.''
Vandran let out a deep breath... ''Syrena, listen to me.'' He put his hands on her shoulders.. ''You know as well as I...that Aurora is merely a means to an end.''
''That's exactly my point. We're treating her as though she's an object instead of a human being.''
''When all of this is over she can go free.''
''And what if he doesn't allow her to go free?''
''He will,'' Vandran tried to reassure her. ''My Master will be more than grateful that she has served such a pivotal role in helping him gain entrance to this world.''
''I hope you're right,'' Syrena murmured as she stepped back... ''Is it true that you've made that oaf back there a Captain?'' Syrena then asked (in reference to Vernon).
''Yes it is,'' Vandran admitted. ''How did you find out about it?''
''It's a rumor that's been circulating throughout the camp.''
''I see.''
Taking a deep breath, Syrena then said. ''I don't mean to question your judgement, my Lord...but why have you given this man authority over your troops?''
''For three reasons,'' Vandran replied. ''One, he saved my life. I think I owe him for that.. Two, because he is ruthless, calculating, devious and vengeful. The exact qualities that are perfect for leading a group of men.''
''And the third reason?''
''That's a little more complicated,'' Vandran responded.
''In what way?''
''Well...when I was in the castle...I had a confrontation with that young man who you claimed could be the hero of the prophecy.''
''Really?''
''Yes.'' Vandran nodded. ''His name is Christopher, apparently.. Anyway, it turns out that you may have a point.. He could be..."The One" after all.''
''You said that "The One" did not exist,'' Syrena reminded him. ''And you said that the prophecy was a lie.''
''It is!'' Vandran exclaimed... ''But that doesn't mean to say that "The One" does not exist. I was hasty in assuming that. But trust me...he has no chance of saving this world, Syrena.'' Vandran let out a slight chuckle.
''How can you be so sure?'' Syrena asked.
''Because he's powerless!'' Vandran boomed.. ''The only reason he's still alive is because some pesky guard distracted me.''
''I see,'' Syrena replied. ''But what does any of this have to do with Vernon?''
''Don't you understand.'' Vandran let out a sigh. ''Vernon is from the same world as Christopher, ergo he stands the best chance of tracking him down... And that, my dear, is the third reason why I made him Captain.''
''I understand, my Lord... I only hope he doesn't let you down.''
''Don't worry. If he does...he'll pay for it,'' Vandran assured her in a sinister tone.
''Fair enough.'' Syrena turned towards the direction of the camp. ''Hadn't we better get back?''
''You go. I'll be along in a moment.''
''Yes, my Lord.'' Syrena turned to walk away before suddenly stopping. ''Oh, I almost forgot.''
''What?''
''When are we leaving?'' Syrena inquired. ''Because if we linger here for too long the Queen's soldiers will surely find us.''
''We depart tomorrow,'' Vandran replied. ''I'll be leaving Vernon and a fraction of my troops behind.''
''Why?''
''Because I want him to hunt Christopher down...and kill him. That's why.'' Vandran flashed a sinister smile.
''I see.. And what do you want me to do with the young man that we captured a few days ago?'' Syrena asked (referring to Francis).
''Oh...I'd almost forgotten about him... Bring him along! Perhaps he could help to entertain the young Queen.'' Vandran let out a slight chuckle.
''Very good, my Lord.'' Syrena bowed her head to him.
''You run along now.''
''Yes, my Lord,'' she replied before walking away...
Vandran stared at the night sky above him and began to laugh, amused by his own genius...
.
.
.
.
Back at the castle, Diaval had just finished telling Maleficent about the tragic events that had taken place earlier that day.
''We have to get her back,'' Maleficent said, as she stood up and headed towards the balcony.
''Where are you going?'' Diaval asked.
''To find Aurora.''
''Wait! You can't leave yet!'' Diaval declared. ''Knotgrass, Flittle and Thistlewit all wish to speak with you.''
''Oh, to hell with them.'' Maleficent flung open the balcony doors.
''Mistress!'' Diaval called after her... ''There's something I must tell you.''
''What?'' Maleficent turned back around to face him...
''I think the pixies were right.''
''Right about what?''
''About Christopher being..."The One", Mistress.''
''Tsk.'' Maleficent tutted. ''I've already told you, Diaval.. The prophecy is a myth.''
''Well to say it's just a myth it's been right so far,'' Diaval replied. ''First, Christopher arrives in the Kingdom after been struck by a bolt of lightning, matching the hero's description. Then today, a great disaster befell the Kingdom.. You must admit, Mistress, that's far too coincidental to simply ignore.''
Maleficent sighed... ''Even if you're right...what would you have me do, Diaval? Entrust this young man to save Aurora and the entire Kingdom?''
''I'm not saying that.'' Diaval let out a sigh. ''All I'm suggesting is that we have a talk with him, that's all.''
''I can't yet,'' Maleficent replied. ''I have to go search for Aurora.''
''Look, it'll be dawn in a few hours. Let's wait until then before we set off.. We won't see anything in the dark, anyway.'' Diaval pointed out.
''And Christopher?''
''When we get back we'll have a talk with him.'' Diaval stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders.
''Diaval...I'm so afraid.'' Maleficent put her arms around him.
''I know, Mistress. I know.'' Diaval wrapped his arms around her...
''I don't know if I could survive without my little beastie.''
''You could,'' Diaval said. ''You could survive anything. And do you know why?.. Because you're strong, Maleficent.'' Diaval pulled back and stared into her emerald eyes.. ''But do not fear. We will rescue her... I promise you that.''
''Thank you, Diaval.'' Maleficent lifted her hand up and stroked his cheek...
''Anytime,'' Diaval replied as he kissed her hand.
Maleficent gave him a small smile before turning around and walking out onto the balcony...
''I better go inform the pixies that you're awake,'' Diaval said.
''No,'' Maleficent shook her head. ''I don't want them fussing around me. Not tonight.''
''Alright. I'll tell them in the morning.'' Diaval stepped out onto the balcony.
''Aurora's going to be crushed when she discovers what's happened to Phillip,'' Maleficent mused.
''I know,'' Diaval responded with a sigh... ''Poor Phillip.. He was far too young to die.''
Maleficent nodded her head in agreement before letting out a deep breath.
''Are you okay?'' Diaval asked.
''Oh, Diaval.'' Maleficent put her head in her hands... ''She called me mother.''
''What?''
''Aurora asked if she could start calling me mother,'' Maleficent replied as she withdrew her hands away from her face, revealing the tears that were forming in her eyes...
''Come here.'' Diaval opened up his arms.
Without hesitation, Maleficent stepped into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder.
Diaval wanted more than anything to press his lips against hers and tell her how much he loved her... But he knew that now wasn't the appropriate time to admit his feelings. She needed a friend at the moment, not a lover. If he declared his love to her now it could scare her away. He couldn't risk that, not when she needed him most... He was content to just hold Maleficent until she stopped crying, appreciative that she wasn't afraid to show her vulnerable side to him. This showed that she trusted him. Trusted him to always be there for her...and he would be... Now and forever.
.
.
.
Christopher had spent a sleepless night in the dungeon... Truth be told, he hadn't even tried to sleep. He was feeling far too despondent to try anything.. His only chance of escape had slipped through his fingers. The one person who he had trusted to release him had been kidnapped, and he hadn't eaten anything for days. Things just couldn't get any worse... Could they?
Suddenly, the dungeon door swung open, as two guards entered the room.
''About time!'' Christopher exclaimed (thinking they were bringing him food).
''About time for what?'' one of the guards asked, as he headed over towards Christopher's cell.
''About time that I got some food, of course.''
''Well, we're not bringing you food, chum.'' The guard flashed a smile before showing Chris a pair of shackles. ''We're bringing you these.''
Before Chris could say anything in protest, the other guard spoke up, saying.
''Look!'' The soldier exclaimed, as he pointed to the cell next to Christopher's. ''The lion's gone!''
''Where did he go?'' the other man asked Chris. ''How did he escape!?''
''Oh, he transformed himself into a moth and flew through the bars.''
''Very funny, mister wiseguy.'' The guard opened the cell door. ''Now tell me the truth!''
''I am telling you the truth.. He can transform into any creature he wants. It's an ability that he has.'' Chris tried to explain.
''Really?'' the guard said in a disbelieving tone. ''And what about you? Do you have any special abilities?''
''Well, actually, yes.'' Christopher cleared his throat... ''I'm a damn good psychotherapist.''
''A damn good what?'' the guard asked (dumbfounded by the term).
''Forget it.'' Chris let out a sigh... ''So, where are you taking me?'' he then asked, as the guard shackled his hands.
''We're taking you to the courtyard.''
''Why?''
''Because that's where the gallows are,'' the other guard replied with a chuckle, before pushing Christopher out of the cell.
''WHAT!?'' Christopher declared in alarm.. ''Y-y-you're going to kill me?''
''You catch on pretty quick, don't you,'' the guard spoke in a sarcastic manner.
''But why? What have I done to deserve execution?''
''From the moment you arrived in this castle everything's gone to pot.''
''But that's not my fault!'' Christopher protested.
''The hell it isn't.. Now get moving!''
''I want a lawyer!'' Chris demanded, as he was shoved out of the dungeon... Unfortunately, his pleas fell on deaf ears.
.
.
.
Dawn had arrived. The Sun was slowly rising over the Kingdom, as Christopher was led out into the courtyard.. Upon seeing the gallows before him, Christopher's legs almost gave way beneath him... A solitary noose swinging in the light breeze, waiting to be tied around his neck.
''Lovely morning, isn't it!?'' the short, stocky guard from earlier shouted over from beside the gallows.
''Not for me it isn't,'' Chris replied.
''Well, let me put it this way, then... It's a good day for a hanging.'' The guard chuckled before declaring. ''Bring him up here!''
The two guards immediately escorted Christopher up the steps and placed him on the trapdoor that was located directly underneath the noose.
''W-w-who authorized this?'' Chris asked in a trembling tone.
''We did,'' one of the guards said with a chortle.
''B-b-but wait a minute!'' Christopher exclaimed.. ''A-aren't you supposed to get approval in order to go ahead with something like this?'' Chris pointed out (desperately trying to stall for time).
''Who could we get approval from? We no longer have a Captain or a Queen. No authority whatsoever.'' The short guard leaned in closer to Christopher. ''Just plain anarchy.'' He gazed to his two comrades before declaring. ''String him up!''
The noose was promptly wrapped around Christopher's neck...
''Ha-ha-ha-ha!'' the short guard laughed.
''L-look, y-y-you can't do this!'' Chris barked, fear showing in his voice and bulging eyes.
''Why not?''
''W-w-well...because, um (Chris struggled to think of a good answer). It's immoral!'' he boomed (finally thinking of one).
''Who gives a damn,'' was the response he received.
''Please,'' Chris pleaded with them, as two of the three guards walked back down the steps. ''Don't do this.''
''Any last words?'' the short guard asked him.
''Just one... HELP!'' Chris shouted at the top of his lungs. ''HELP!''
The guard grabbed hold of the lever that operated the trapdoor.
''NO! Don't touch that!'' Chris shouted frantically.
''Burn in Hell!'' the guard exclaimed.
''OH, BOY!'' Chris shouted in terror...as the trapdoor was flung open beneath him.
(A/N). And thus, we have reached the end of chapter 9.. I hate to leave you (and Chris) hanging, but I have to run now. I'm going to visit my aunt and uncle in North Wales. I'll be returning home on Sunday, and I'll start work on the next chapter as soon as I get back. The next chapter should be uploaded within about 8 to 10 days.
As always, please review and let me know what you think of this chapter. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, hwyl fawr (that's goodbye in Welsh).
